“With the phase-out of the Crown Victoria, another vehicle needs to fill the gap…between now and then,” said TLC spokesman Allan Fromberg, referring to Ford’s iconic older model. “That doesn’t mean all the other cabs have to be junked” when the new standards come into effect, he added.

Unlike the Nissan vehicles, which are just going into production, the Transit Connect is an existing model in use throughout the country, according to a Ford release. Mark Fields, Ford’s president for the Americas, said, “For decades, Ford has been synonymous with New York City taxis, and we are pleased residents and tourists now will benefit from our next-generation vehicle.” Well, for the next three years at least.